They licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and operate within regulatory frameworks. If you linked a debit card or granted direct debit authorization during onboarding, auto-debit is technically possible. However, these lenders usually provide clear communication before debiting and often offer alternative repayment arrangements.

Recommended Action:

• If you wish to prevent auto-debits, block the card you used during registration and request a replacement with a new card number from your bank.
• If the lender is a licensed bank or microfinance bank using the Global Standing Instruction (GSI) framework, auto-debits can occur across all accounts linked to your Bank Verification Number (BVN). In this case, move your funds to a new account opened with a different BVN-unlinked institution or maintain minimal balances in accounts tied to your BVN.
• Negotiate a lump-sum settlement rather than allowing recurring debits, as partial payments often reset interest accrual.